Bun: 16/20
Lovely traditional bolo de caco in Portugal with a plot twist of Beterraba, giving it this gorgeous pink color. The taste? Fresh and tasty, a definitely original take for a burger bun. For me, it was a hit.
Toppings: 15/20
We encountered a trio that sounded like a symphony – stir-fried mushrooms, caramelized onions, and wild arugula. The lineup seemed promising, but truth be told, the mushrooms stole the show. Their robust flavor dominated, leaving the other toppings in the background. While the mushrooms were delicious, it’s a bit of a letdown as the caramelized onions and wild arugula didn’t get their chance in the spotlight. Not a major gripe, as the overall taste was still delightful, but I longed for a more even distribution of flavors.
Condiments: 3/10
I couldn’t detect the taste of any sauce in this “healthy” burger. It’s a bit disheartening when the condiments, which are supposed to add that extra zing, are barely noticeable.
Cheese: 6/10
La Poppey missed out on this classic ingredient. It turns out it was an oversight on my part, as I believe cheese could have added more depth to the burger and perhaps balanced the vegan flavors without letting the mushroom overpower the rest. Lesson learned for next time, cheese might just be the missing link to elevate the taste experience.
P.S. No cheesy vibes in this burger, so we sprinkled the average Taste score into this mix!
Beef: 7/20
The “beef” aspect of Poppey. In all honesty, given that it’s a vegan burger, pinpointing the base ingredient was a bit challenging. The flavor leaned towards the neutral side, almost bordering on nondescript. I could faintly detect hints of chickpeas or perhaps beans, but it’s a bit of a mystery. The menu didn’t provide specific details on the composition; all we know is that it’s vegan.
The taste was decent, but a bit more seasoning could elevate it and add a burst of flavor. A little extra spice or herbs might not hurt to make it more tantalizing.
Taste: 12/20
I must say, if you’re a die-hard fan of mushrooms and bolo do Caco, this vegan burger is tailor-made for you. It leans towards the simpler side, lacking a robust flavor profile overall. However, if you adore the earthy richness of mushrooms and appreciate the traditional taste of bolo do Caco, it might just hit the spot for you. In essence, it’s a straightforward experience without too many complex flavors.